Site Development Grant Program

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is offering the Site Development Grant Program, aimed at enhancing Tennessee's nationally recognized Select Tennessee certified sites and preparing other locations for certification. This initiative aligns with TNECD's mission to foster economic growth and community development across the state by improving site readiness and attracting new businesses. The program primarily targets governmental entities such as cities, counties, and Industrial Development Boards. The key beneficiaries are communities across all Tennessee counties that will see improved infrastructure and increased potential for economic investment. The impact goals are to strengthen the state's industrial site inventory, stimulate job creation, and encourage capital investment by making sites more attractive for development. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including construction activities (access roadways, utilities, rail lines), property-related activities (purchase of property, right-of-way, due diligence studies), rehabilitation of publicly-owned industrial buildings, brownfield remediation, and speculative building construction. Specific focuses include ensuring sites are at least 20 acres (10 acres in Tier 3 and 4 counties) and have undergone specific site evaluations for the Select TN certification program, PEP, or Invest Prep. Due diligence grants are limited to $100,000, while the maximum for other site development grants is $5,000,000. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of certified, development-ready sites across Tennessee, leading to enhanced competitiveness for attracting businesses. Measurable results will include the number of sites improved, the square footage of speculative buildings constructed, the amount of brownfield acreage remediated, and ultimately, the number of new businesses attracted and jobs created. The program implicitly operates on a theory of change that improved infrastructure and development-ready sites directly lead to increased economic activity and a stronger statewide economy.